20.11.12
IT challenges ‘boost NHS retention’
The challenge, scope and scale of IT projects in the NHS is a key motivating factor when seeking to retain IT professionals, a new survey suggests.
Of 400 IT professionals working in the NHS, nearly half say the challenging nature of projects is the most attractive reason to work where they do, whilst 30% say that working for an organisation that supports the community is the best thing about working in the health service.
Of those surveyed, just under half (49.5%) intend to continue to work in the NHS for a minimum of the next three years.
The survey, conducted by NHS IT recruiter max20, also considered the views of IT professionals from outside the NHS, and found that 69% had seriously considered working for the health service, but 44.2% were put off by their belief that NHS experience was essential.
Don Tomlinson, managing director of max20, said: “There is still a lot of competition to find highly skilled IT professionals, even in these difficult economic times.
“So, the survey’s findings that the NHS is generally keeping committed and skilled staff, often through extending IT professionals’ contracts, is a very positive sign.
“The reorganisation of CCGs is leading to growing demands for IT professionals with business backgrounds across all industries. It is a message we have got to get across to avoid skills shortages.
“We have to act now to attract more IT talent into the NHS. The desire to work in the NHS is there, we have to ensure potential IT contractors are well-informed about the opportunities.”
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